The Countdown to the 2018 World Open begins

By: Ryan - Editor at Hamilton Billiards | Posted on: June 21, 2018.

The biggest names in Snooker are currently gearing up for the 2018 World Open in Yushan China. The event took place in the same location last year which saw home favourite Ding Junhui clinch the title after beating Kyren Wilson 10-3 in the final.

The Chinese player joined an impressive list of previous World Open Champions, which includes; Ali Carter, Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen and Neil Robertson.

Having adopted a number of formats over the years, the World Open has used an FA Cup styled open draw since 2008. This means big name showdowns are possible straight from the off.

The World Open has also given the opportunity for amateur level players to compete with the biggest names in Snooker. Dominic Dale, Euan Henderson and Dave Harold are some of the lesser known players to have reached the final down the years.

The tournament has provided the average every day Snooker player with the chance to prove themselves against the very best. With professional and industry proven equipment from Hamilton Billiards, you will have everything you could possibly need to harness your skills and aim for a World Open appearance.

The qualifying stages for the 2018 tournament will take place at the Guild Hall in Preston. All matches will be held between 6-9th July and will be the best of 9 frames.

Scottish players John Higgins and Stephen Hendry are the joint most successful players in the tournament’s history having both won the competition on four occasions.

The inaugural World Open was held in 1982 as the Professional Players Tournament in order to adhere to increasing demands for televised Snooker. The first event saw Jimmy White defeat Ray Reardon 10-5, winning a total of £5,000 in the process.

A number of records have been set at the World Snooker Open. This includes the 1985 final between Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor, which is the longest one-day final in history, lasting 10 hours and 21 minutes.

The favourites for this year’s title are Ronnie O’Sullivan (7/2) and Mark Selby (9/2), whereas last years winner Ding Junhui and 2018 World Snooker Champion Mark Williams are currently priced at (12/1).

You can watch the 2018 World Snooker Open on Eurosport when it kicks off on August 6th.